DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is professional and confidential work involving responsibility for overseeing the independent investigations of deaths which occurred without medical attendance or which resulted from accidental, suicidal, criminal, suspicious or undetermined causes. The incumbent engages in interviewing witnesses, recording detailed observations of the scene, collecting physical and trace evidence and conducting follow-up field investigations. Evening work and other than normal work schedules can be expected in this position, as the incumbent will be on call to cover any emergency, including bioterrorism.  Work is performed under the general direction of the Ulster County Medical Examiner, with leeway allowed for independent decision. Incumbent acts on behalf of Medical Examiner as necessary. Does related work as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of modern methods, procedures and techniques involved in determining the cause of death; good knowledge of what constitutes and how to collect and preserve evidence; ability to understand and follow command protocol at scene; ability to make sound decisions and judgments based on reviewing all the facts of complex cases; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, hospital personnel, law enforcement and other governmental and community agencies and the general public; ability to deal sympathetically and objectively with people under stress; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to read, understand, interpret and apply complex written material such as laws, rules and regulations; ability to prepare complex narrative written reports; ability to record information accurately; ability to maintain records; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to give professional testimony in court or at inquests or hearings; a high degree of accuracy; good power of observation; sound professional judgment; willingness to respond to calls on a 24 hour a day basis.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either:
A.  Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s or higher level degree in Mortuary Science or a related field; OR
B.   Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science or a related field, and two (2) years of full-time paid, or its part-time equivalent experience which involved death scene investigation, management of the cleaning of death scenes according to OSHA standards or participating in the performing of autopsies; OR
C.   Possession of a license and current registration issued by the State of New York to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse and three (3) years of full-time paid, or its part-time equivalent post-licensure, professional nursing experience, one (1) year of which included experience as a Forensic Morgue Technician, Morgue Assistant or experience in assisting with autopsies; OR
D.   Three (3) years of full-time paid, or its part-time equivalent experience as a Forensic Morgue Technician, Morgue Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician or comparable professional experience, one (1) year of which included experience in assisting with autopsies.
IF COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IS INDICATED; TRANSCRIPTS ARE REQUIRED AND SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.  A CANDIDATE LACKING THE REQUIRED TRANSCRIPTS WILL RECEIVE A CONDITIONAL APPROVAL PENDING THE RECEIPT OF TRANSCRIPTS.
Special Requirement for Acceptance of Applications: Eligibility for an appropriate New York State Motor Vehicle Operator's License.  Possession of the license is required at the time of appointment.
Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions: In accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the Department of Criminal Justice System or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authority based upon fingerprinting and a criminal history background check.
ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.